Definition
Diabetic nephropathy is kidney damage that occurs with diabetes.
It is the job of the kidneys to:
- Filter blood
- Catch needed substances and return them to circulation
- Creates urine to pass waste out of the body
Damage from diabetes can prevent the kidneys from working well. In some cases, this can lead to
kidney failure.
Causes
Blood passes through small filters in the kidneys. Changes in the blood due to diabetes can cause damage to these filters. Blood sugar levels that are not well-controlled can have the greatest impact on the kidney filters.
Overtime the damage to the filters increases. The damaged filters cannot clean the blood properly and protein from the blood can leak into the urine. If left untreated, this can lead to kidney failure.
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of diabetic nephropathy include:
High blood pressure
also puts stress on your kidneys and increase your risk of kidney damage.
Symptoms
Symptoms may not appear until the kidney damage is very severe. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
- Fluid buildup may appear as swelling in feet or hands
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Confusion and trouble concentrating
If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume they are due to kidney problems. Symptoms may be caused by other conditions.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include the following:
- Blood tests to check your kidney function
- Urine tests to check for protein in your urine
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
Treatment is aimed at preventing or slowing further kidney damage. It may involve lifestyle changes and medications. Your doctor will also work with you to help control your diabetes and blood pressure. This may help prevent further kidney damage.
Lifestyle changes that will help control your blood sugar and blood pressure include:
-
Lose weight if you are
overweight
- Exercise
- Eat less salt
- Stop smoking
- Avoid alcohol
- Follow your diabetes management plan
Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help control blood sugar. To help control your blood pressure and protect your kidneys, your doctor may prescribe:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
If the damage to your kidneys progresses to kidney failure, you may need
dialysis. Dialysis takes over for your kidneys. Blood passes out of your body into a machine. The machine filters waste out of the blood then pumps blood back to you.
If the kidney failure progresses you may eventually need a kidney transplant.
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of getting diabetic nephropathy, take the following steps:
- See your doctor regularly. During checkups, you will have your blood pressure, urine, blood, and organs monitored for changes.
- Control blood sugar levels.
Follow your diabetes treatment regimen as directed.
- Work with your doctor to maintain a healthy blood pressure (less than 130/80 mmHg).
- Exercise daily.
- Quit smoking.